Weight sets are available in two sizes: Olympic and standard. Olympic weights are used in commercial gyms, fitness centers and in-home gyms. Standard weights are used only in residential setups. Olympic weights can be purchased individually or in sets. Manufacturers do not have a minimum standard for an Olympic weight set, although to provide enough variety and functionality, most sets are at least 300 lbs.
Identification
Olympic weights have standardized sizes and dimensions. Olympic bars are 7 feet long, weigh 45 lbs. and have 2-inch sleeves. Standard bars are lighter and shorter. Although standard bars don't have set specifications, they are usually between 5 and 6 feet long and weigh 15 to 25 lbs. Olympic weight plates are available in 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 35 and 45 lbs. They have 2-inch bore holes in the center.
Function
Olympic barbells are designed to hold more weight than standard bars, handling loads of 800 lbs. and more. Many standard bars can handle only a little over 100 lbs. The rotating sleeves on the end of Olympic barbells reduce torque stress to your wrist joints and allow the plates to freely spin. Standard bars do not, so the torque stress of the plates as the bar moves transfers to your wrists and forearms.
Sets
The listed weight of an Olympic set includes the weight of the plates and the barbell, although the added weights of every piece don't always add up to the listed weight. Most Olympic weights are sold in 300 lb. sets. Any less and you won't have enough variety in your weight plates to accommodate different exercises. The number of each type of weight plate varies between sets. You might receive two 45 lb., two 35 lb., two 25 lb., four 10 lb. and four 5 lb. plates. Another option is four 35 lb., four 25 lb., four 10 lb. and two 5 lb. plates.
Individual Parts
You also can purchase Olympic weights individually, which is especially useful for smaller plates. The smaller plates are what allow you to gradually increase the weight of an exercise over time. You might be able to add 5 lbs. to your chest press, but 10 lbs. would be too much. In this case, you need 2.5 lb. plates for each end of the barbell. Research each set of Olympic weights. Depending on your strength level and goals, you might want a set with a lot of heavy weights or a set with a larger selection of smaller weights.
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